Studio J

14 family members?   …. and 4 are young children?    ….. and a dog?    That’s the kind of session that tempts comtemporary photographers to go old school and do formal posed portraits with everyone gazing into the lens and smiling.  This family of 14 helped me avoid that temptation by just being themselves;  a spirited state of chaotic happiness that immediately made me feel comfortable and welcome.

They were fabulous with the kids, averting 3 or 4 meltdowns with a natural talent, redirecting them to fun activities, distracting them and occasionally, offering a short term bribe.  They kept it very positive and fun for the children.

Here they are;  Jim, Mary Ann, James, Heather, LJ, Khobi, Serena, Francois, Dalen, Chris, Sandra, David, Gillian and Russ.

Their session slideshow video:

Our CD player wasn’t cooperating.  …. so it was a live performance, from Debbie’s church  ….. Jordan John!!

He jammed, he grooved, he sang the blues, he went accapella.  Have a listen to Jordan’s voice in the session video below as he performs his single, Tambourine song (no, this song wasn’t recorded at Debbie’s church, but it could have been – the acoustics were great there).  There’s more to hear on Jordan’s myspace page –> http://www.myspace.com/jordanpjohn Do not miss his blues number, “Do Right Woman Do Right Man”.

We went from natural and relaxed to Chuck Barry style whalin’ to styling and cool   ….. and it all suits him.  Jordan is friendly, positive and interested in others.  He gets so into what he’s doing, I can’t help but admire it and notice how that makes his performance fun.

Here’s some of my favourites from your session Jordan:

Jordan performing Tambourine Song for his session video:

These 3 have fun together.  I need 2 hands to count the favourite places and activities for Nicholas in this beautiful home (…and I want to know how do you keep it so beautiful with a 16 month old child?).  Shawn and Andrea are very relaxed and natural and their attitude shows in how secure and at ease Nicholas is.

The session video first: